April Topic of the Month: Strategies for Working from Home

Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many folks are being tasked with working from home. For many, this is the first time they’ve been tasked with working from home and the transition can be overwhelming. Below we share some strategies for making your work from home environment a productive and welcoming one.

1. The most important suggestion we have is to maintain regular hours. Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it as closely as possible. Having a clear beginning and end to the day can help you to maintain a work-life balance. If you were previously working 9-5 Monday through Friday, you want to work this same schedule if possible.

2. Set ground rules with any family members or roommates who share your space. Remind them that during those times, you are working and will be happy to socialize with them after your scheduled work day ends. For those of you who are also responsible for childcare during this time, it can be helpful to set your children up with self-sustaining activities, like watching educational programs, completing computer games, reading, or working in educational workbooks.

3. Schedule breaks! Because you will not have the distractions you typically have in an office, it can be overwhelming to sit at your work space for 8 straight hours. Take time to walk away from your screen, eat snacks and lunch, drink water, and stretch. If you have a scheduled lunch break, log out for a full hour.

4. Create a dedicated office space. If you have an office at home already, work there instead of from your couch. If you do not have a dedicated office space, get creative. Can you use your kitchen table for those daytime work hours? You might invest in a nicer office chair for home, or an external mouse or keyboard to make your laptop computer more comfortable. Keeping everything in one space will allow you to better separate yourself from work when they time comes.

5. Get dressed and ready for work in the mornings. We know it can be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day. However, getting dressed and ready will switch your brain into work mode and help you to be more productive.

While working from home can feel difficult and isolating, these tips can help you to be more productive and to enjoy your time more. Maintain good communication with your employer and coworkers and take care of yourself. We at Orsinger Investment Group, Inc. wish you the very best during this difficult time.